Descriptive vs Inferential Statistics
29 Questions
19 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

  • Descriptive statistics draws conclusions while inferential statistics doesn't.
  • Descriptive statistics collects data from a sample, while inferential statistics collects data from the entire population.
  • Descriptive statistics involves hypothesis testing, while inferential statistics focuses on data description.
  • Descriptive statistics uses summary measures like mean and standard deviation, while inferential statistics leads to predictions or inferences about the entire dataset. (correct)

    • In a research study, what is a sample?

  • A subset or representative of the population from which information is collected (correct)
  • A collection of all elements under consideration
  • A method of testing hypotheses
  • A method of collecting data from a population

    • What is a census in the context of data collection?

  • A subset of the population
  • A method of collecting data from the entire population (correct)
  • Used to estimate parameters of interest
  • A method of collecting data from a sample

    • Which concept involves predicting or inferring about the entire dataset or future values?

    <p>Population and sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main areas of inferential statistics?

    <p>Point estimation and hypothesis testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statistic is NOT typically used in descriptive statistics?

    <p>Skewness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a parameter?

    <p>A numerical characteristic of a population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

    <p>Descriptive statistics summarize the data in a sample, while inferential statistics generalize the findings to the whole population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does measurement refer to?

    <p>The process of obtaining a value of a variable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are qualitative variables defined?

    <p>Variables that cannot be measured by numerical values but can be categorized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In research, why is it important to distinguish the type of variable?

    <p>Because different types require different analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes a statistic?

    <p>A numerical characteristic of a sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of variable consists of values obtained by counting and can assume only a finite or countable number of values?

    <p>Discrete</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a continuous variable?

    <p>Length of ropes (in meters) used by mountain climbers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of measurement scale classifies a variable into two or more categories, such as race or gender?

    <p>Nominal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do continuous data need to be measured and rounded off?

    <p>Due to the limits of measuring devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which variable is daily tonnage produced by a mining company an example of?

    <p>Continuous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement scale classifies a variable according to rank or order of categories?

    <p>Ordinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which measurement scale is a zero value arbitrary and does not reflect the absence of an attribute?

    <p>Interval</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scale permits all mathematical operations with its measurements?

    <p>Ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement scale has equal units but an arbitrary zero value?

    <p>Interval</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scale represents the highest level of measurement precision?

    <p>Ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scale is used to measure attributes like volume, height, and weight?

    <p>Ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to using data to summarize and describe characteristics of a dataset?

    <p>Descriptive Statistics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of variable can take on an infinite number of values within a given range?

    <p>Continuous Variable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement scale would 'Height in centimeters' fall under?

    <p>Ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which variable classification includes the categories 'short, average, tall'?

    <p>Ordinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of statistics involves making predictions or inferences about a population based on sample data?

    <p>Inferential Statistics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Satisfaction on a certain government health program' classified as 'very much satisfied, much satisfied...' represents which type of variable?

    <p>Qualitative Variable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

    • Descriptive statistics involves collecting, describing, and analyzing a set of data without drawing conclusions about a larger group.
    • Inferential statistics involves making predictions or inferences about the entire set of data or forecasting future values.
    • Inferential statistics has three main areas: estimation, hypothesis testing, and prediction.

    Population and Sample

    • A population is a collection of all elements under consideration in a research study.
    • A sample is a subset or representative of the population from which information is collected.
    • A census involves collecting data from the entire population, which is often difficult or impossible to conduct.
    • A survey involves collecting data from a sample.

    Parameters and Statistics

    • A parameter is a numerical characteristic of a population.
    • A statistic is a numerical characteristic of a sample.
    • Parameters are estimated from the statistics measured in the sample.

    Variables and Measurement

    • A variable is a characteristic or attribute that is observable or measurable on every individual or subject of study.
    • Measurement is the process of obtaining a value of a variable.
    • There are two main types of variables: qualitative and quantitative.

    Types of Variables

    • Qualitative variables have characteristics that cannot be measured by numerical values but can be categorized into two or more categories.
    • Quantitative variables have values that can be counted or measured with the use of measuring devices or through mathematical formula.
    • Quantitative variables can be further classified into discrete and continuous variables.

    Scales of Measurement

    • There are four levels of measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
    • Nominal scale classifies a variable into two or more categories.
    • Ordinal scale classifies a variable according to rank or order of categories.
    • Interval scale has the properties of the ordinal scale where categories are broken down on a scale of equal units.
    • Ratio scale has the properties of an interval scale but with a zero value indicating the absence of an attribute.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Learn about the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics, including the methods, measures, and purposes they serve in research. Explore how summary measures like mean, standard deviation, percentages, and skewness are used in quantitative research for description, while inferential statistics focus on making predictions and inferences based on data analysis.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser